BOZEMAN — Montana State University’s Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing received a $2.5 million grant this summer to help outfit state-of-the-art simulation labs at all five of the college’s locations.

The grant from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust will cover the cost of simulation equipment, furniture and technology in five new nursing education buildings across Montana.

In 2021, a historic $101 million gift from Mark and Robyn Jones funded five new buildings for MSU nursing college campuses in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell and Missoula. While the Jones gift fully funded construction, additional philanthropic support was needed to operationalize the buildings, including installing simulation equipment, technology and audiovisual systems.

Simulation is a cornerstone of the MSU nursing college curriculum, which requires students to complete 120 hours of simulated training across the two-year program, or one simulation class a semester. Enabled by the Helmsley Charitable Trust’s grant, the college also plans to significantly expand simulation training to Doctor of Nursing Practice students in its family nurse practitioner, psych-mental health nurse practitioner and nurse-midwifery programs. The simulation labs allow nursing students to learn critical thinking skills in realistic settings – groups of students face an array of patient scenarios and have the chance to make decisions and practice interventions with realistic manikins or actors. Students can learn without the fear of harming a real patient or making a mistake, and learning is enhanced by debriefing the scenarios with their instructors and peers.

Each year in Montana, between 500 and 600 new nurses are licensed, around half of which graduated from MSU. The Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing currently graduates more than 300 bachelor’s-prepared nurses each year, with more than 75% of those students remaining in state to serve Montana communities. The college is on target to increase this number by 2030 to 400 new bachelor’s-prepared nurses each year.

“We are deeply grateful for the Helmsley Charitable Trust’s support for the simulation infrastructure in our new nursing education buildings,” said Sarah Shannon, dean of the nursing college. “Their grant will directly advance educational quality at MSU, strengthen the state’s nursing workforce and increase the accessibility of healthcare for all Montanans.”

“Ensuring that rural communities have access to high-quality healthcare begins with investing in the people who provide that care,” said Walter Panzirer, a trustee of the Helmsley Charitable Trust. “These state-of-the-art simulation labs will help prepare more highly skilled nurses to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Montana's communities. By supporting innovative training opportunities at Montana State University, we are helping strengthen the healthcare workforce pipeline and building a healthier future for people across the state.”

The nursing college uses simulation labs to supplement or replace increasingly difficult-to-secure clinical experiences, such as pediatric and obstetric clinical rotations, Shannon added.

She said that the benefits of simulation to students are multifold: the labs are fast paced, eliminating the time a student in a clinical setting may need to wait for a patient to use the bathroom or finish physical therapy, for example. Simulation also allows the college to ensure that every nursing graduate can experience both common and rare emergency situations in healthcare.

Each simulation lab is equipped with four life-size manikins: an adult, a 5-year-old child, a maternal manikin capable of simulating labor and delivery, and a newborn. The spaces also include a control room for faculty and a room where other students can observe in-progress simulations.

Nursing students in Great Falls have been utilizing the new simulation space since fall 2025, when the building opened ahead of schedule. The remaining four nursing buildings and their equipped simulation spaces are expected to be ready for students in Billings, Bozeman, Kalispell and Missoula this fall.

“The Helmsley Charitable Trust’s commitment to rural healthcare is powerfully reflected in this investment,” said Fran Albrecht, CEO and president of the MSU Alumni Foundation. “By supporting advanced simulation training across Montana, this grant directly strengthens the pipeline of highly skilled nurses prepared to serve rural communities. It ensures that students can train for real-world healthcare challenges close to home, ultimately improving access to high-quality care for patients across our state.”

About the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust aspires to improve lives by supporting exceptional efforts the world in health and select place-based initiatives. Since beginning active grantmaking in 2008, the trust has committed more than $4.6 billion for a wide range of charitable purposes. Helmsley’s Rural Healthcare Program funds innovative projects that use information technologies to connect rural patients to emergency medical care, bring the latest medical therapies to patients in remote areas, and provide state-of-the-art training for rural hospitals and EMS personnel. To date, this program has awarded more than $900 million to organizations and initiatives in multiple U.S. states and territories. For more information, visit www.helmsleytrust.org.

About the Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing
The Mark and Robyn Jones College of Nursing is a national leader in rural nursing research and is responsive to the evolving health needs of the people of Montana. Since 1937, the college has ensured that MSU-trained nurses receive cutting-edge knowledge and clinical experiences rooted in Montana’s rural traditions. Its unique one college, five campus model places students in Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Kalispell or Missoula.

Successful hunters to be contacted through email 

BOZEMAN — This summer, the inaugural faculty-led trip to Japan was jam-packed with new experiences for Montana State University students, helping instill valuable business and cultural knowledge about a unique country that has strongly rooted itself in global business and trade.

From staying in dorms at Kumamoto Gakuen University and meeting local students, visiting the Atomic Bomb Museum in Nagasaki, and learning about traditional Japanese culture during a formal tea ceremony, the study abroad offering left students with a deeper understanding of life in the world’s fourth largest economy, which will serve as an asset in their future careers.

For 16 days earlier this summer, 15 MSU students ranging from freshmen to seniors traveled to Japan for a business class called JapanX. The course was taught by Thomas Lechner and Maritza Espina, professors in MSU’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship.

The group spent time doing various activities in Tokyo, Kumamoto and Nagasaki, and also drove through the Japanese countryside visiting smaller towns and scenic areas.

The class was designed specifically to help strengthen entrepreneurship in Japanese markets, equipping students with insights into the country’s economy and culture.

“The idea was kind of, how do small to medium-sized enterprises enter a market like Japan? What are some of the challenges?” Lechner said. “The main theme of the class was how to enter that market – and it's hard to find a culture that's more different from the U.S. than Japan. So really trying to pay attention to both the way products are packaged, the way they're advertised, things like that.”

To hone insight into Japanese markets, the instructors took students to an array of Japanese businesses, including Asaki Glass – a manufacturer of specialty and industrial glass and certain chemicals – a nearly 300-year-old sake brewery and a soy sauce factory.

The group also had several classroom sessions at Kumamoto Gakuen University where they interacted with local students, many of whom spoke English.

Strengthening the relationship between Montana and Japan has been a historic and current priority of the Montana state government and MSU. Montana is a key trading partner of Japan, exporting mostly premium wheat and coal to the island country, and is a sister state with Kumamoto. According to state data, Japan consistently ranks as one of Montana’s top five export destinations, purchasing more than $265 million in goods annually.

One motivator for the trip was reigniting the sister-university relationship that MSU has with Kumamoto Gakuen University, Lechner said. The two institutions have a history of exchanging students for study abroad opportunities, and Lechner still keeps in touch with a Japanese student who came to MSU during his undergraduate experience. He noted that two MSU students in the class expressed interest in returning to live and work and Japan.

Unlike many faculty-led trips that utilize tour groups to create itineraries, Lechner planned the study abroad agenda in its entirety. That’s because he has ample experience in and connections to the country, first initiated by studying abroad there himself when he was an MSU student in the 1980s. He went on to participate in the Japan Exchange and Teaching program and later started a business taking tourists there. Over time he has lived in Japan for a total of 15 years.

On the trip, in between educational tours and learning about Japanese business practices, there was also plenty of time for fun, in the form of activities that strengthened appreciation for the country’s unique culture.

“My objective was also cultural understanding,” Lechner said, “because sometimes the business part is easier than understanding a particular culture that is so different from ours.”

Some highlights were the tea ceremony that also included making traditional Japanese sweets and watching a baseball game in Fukuoka.

“One of the more gratifying things for me on a personal level was the amount of times that students were off their phones, talking to people, playing cards, you know, taking in the scenery,” Lechner added.

Students agreed that the ability to experience a culture so different from life in the U.S. was foundational for their growth and confidence to pursue future opportunities abroad.

Morgan Burr, a sophomore interested in business finance from Bozeman, said the experience prepared him well for a longer study abroad trip to New Zealand that he is currently on through MSU.

“From the people to the food, it is all so mind-opening and very awesome to be a part of. What I learned about myself is that I am a pretty good traveler, and I can handle myself well when I am in a room with people I have never met,” Burr said. “And I think the Japan trip helped me realized what I needed to prepare (for New Zealand).”

Payton Ducey, a junior marketing major from Golden, Colorado, said going to the smaller towns, which many tourists miss, on their road trip inspired her to explore more rural areas in future travels. She recommended studying abroad as a chance to step outside one’s comfort zone, and said that the experience helped her grow in ways she didn’t expect.

“Studying abroad taught me that I am much more independent than I realized. Traveling through Japan can be overwhelming when you don't speak or read the language, and that initially felt intimidating. However, I learned that I was capable of navigating unfamiliar situations on my own and becoming comfortable with the unknown,” Ducey said. “This experience showed me that not knowing exactly what to do or say shouldn't stop you from exploring the world. I know this confidence and independence will help me in both my personal life and future career.”

Lechner said the trip saw such success that he’s already set dates for the class next year, and he hopes to lead additional experiential learning opportunities in Japan.

“The recent faculty-led trip to Japan is an excellent example of how Jabs helps students become truly global citizens, with an understanding and appreciation of the many different cultures and relationships that shape the world,” said Brian Gillespie, dean of the Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship. “We are lucky to have our professors share their expertise and inspire so many students to leave their comfort zones, seek out new experiences and learn about the world.”

BOZEMAN  – The City of Bozeman, in partnership with Williams Civil Construction and DOWL, will be constructing improvements to the sanitary sewer system along West Kagy Boulevard this summer through the West Kagy to Babcock Sewer Improvements project. Construction is scheduled to begin the week of July 27, weather and other factors permitting.

The purpose of the West Kagy to Babcock Sewer Improvements project is to replace aging sewer pipelines to maintain a resilient and reliable sewer system in southwest Bozeman. The project will be completed in two phases over the next couple of years, beginning with the West Kagy Boulevard upgrades this summer.

“This is a critical project that improves and expands our sewer system in part to better handle the increasing student population we’re seeing at MSU,” said Emiliano Esparza, City of Bozeman Engineer. “We ask drivers to stay patient, safe, find alternate routes, and stay focused on the improvements. This project will improve our sewer system for decades to come.”

Phase 1 of the West Kagy to Babcock Sewer Improvements project includes sewer improvements in two separate neighborhoods, which will be completed over two construction seasons, starting in 2026 and finishing in 2027.

The project will kick off with construction primarily along West Kagy Boulevard between South Tracy Avenue and South 7th Avenue, near Montana State University (MSU). Construction on this part of the project is expected to be completed by November 2026.

The City of Bozeman and its partners aim to minimize and mitigate impacts on the traveling public and local businesses as much as possible, although construction completion may depend on weather and other unforeseen factors.

During construction, the public can expect:

Two-way traffic will be maintained on Kagy Boulevard. Lane restrictions, lane shifts, turning restrictions, and flaggers will be present to maintain public safety.

A full closure of South 3rd Avenue at the intersection with West Kagy Boulevard, as the City’s sewer main is replaced across the intersection. A detour will be in place during this time. This closure will be removed once the sewer improvements are installed and the intersection is repaved.

A full closure of South Tracy Avenue at the intersection with West Kagy Boulevard. This closure will not occur at the same time as the South 3rd Avenue closure and special accommodations for local business access will be provided.
Brief sidewalk closures which may require pedestrians to be redirected.

There will be access to businesses along West Kagy Boulevard during construction, although there may be times when drivers must use an alternate approach.

As the project wraps up for the winter, the roadway will be restored with temporary paving and traffic control measures. Ultimately, permanent pavement restoration and traffic control measures will be completed through the West Kagy Boulevard reconstruction project, which is being coordinated by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the City of Bozeman. Construction on that project is tentatively scheduled to start in 2027. Furthermore, to minimize traffic impacts related to roadway construction activities, the City of Bozeman has postponed Phase 2 of the West Kagy to Babcock Sewer Improvements project until MDT’s planned Kagy Boulevard improvements are complete. Phase 2 will consist of replacing aging sewer pipelines across the project.

The project team will be reaching out to area businesses leading up to construction to discuss potential impacts and answer questions. Businesses adjacent to the project and members of the public are encouraged to email kagysewer@dowl.com or call 406-281-7604 to learn more about the project and submit questions and comments.

More information about the West Kagy to Babcock Sewer Improvements project can be found at https://bit.ly/kagysewer. To sign up for email or text alerts, click the “eNotifications” link at the top of the page.

FWP releases updated wolf estimation tool in 2026 Wolf Report 

BOZEMAN– Warming river water is prompting more hoot-owl fishing restrictions and one complete closure in southwest Montana this week.

The Madison River, from the Madison Dam at Ennis Reservoir to the footbridge at the NorthWestern Energy powerhouse, is closed to fishing at all hours beginning Wednesday, July 15. The closure is in response to warm outflows from Ennis Reservoir that are preventing nighttime cooling in that section of the river. Hoot-owl restrictions, which prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day, also take effect on July 15 at 2 p.m. on the following rivers in southwest Montana:

• Big Hole River: two sections of the river are impacted (Saginaw Bridge on Skinner Meadows Road to the confluence with North Fork of the Big Hole River and Tony Schoonen Fishing Access Site to confluence with Beaverhead River)

• Gallatin River: lower river, from Cameron Bridge Road to the confluence with the Missouri River

• East Gallatin River: entire river

• Jefferson River: entire river

• Madison River: lower river, from the footbridge at the NorthWestern Energy powerhouse to the confluence with the Jefferson River (this extends the hoot-owl that is already in place from Warm Springs FAS to the confluence)

• Ruby River: lower river, from Duncan District Road to the confluence with the Beaverhead River

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks also reminds anglers that a few sections of rivers in southwest Montana are already under Hoot-Owl restrictions:

• The Madison River: above Hebgen Reservoir, from the upstream most Yellowstone National Park boundary to Hebgen Reservoir as well as a portion of the lower river from Warm Springs FAS to the confluence

• Lower Beaverhead River: from Highway 41 near East Bench Road and Beaverhead Rock to its confluence with the Big Hole River 

These restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve. To check for a full list of Montana fishing restrictions, including a map, visit: fwp.mt.gov/news/current-closures-restrictions/waterbody-closures.

FWP's drought policy provides for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees for three consecutive days. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout.     

These restrictions are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when water temperatures warm. Restricting angling to only cool morning hours can help reduce catch-and-release mortality.     

Catch-and-release anglers can reduce stress on fish by getting them to the net or in hand quickly, keeping them in the water and reviving them prior to releasing them back into the river. As the summer warms, Montana offers many other angling options with better conditions for fish, including larger lakes or reservoirs, or higher elevation lakes and streams.    

Along with monitoring stream temperatures, FWP also monitors stream flows and, in some streams, holds instream flow water rights. FWP’s water program can issue a call on junior water users, when appropriate, to contribute to stream flows through the late summer and early fall. For more information on FWP water rights, visit: fwp.mt.gov/conservation/fisheries-management/water-management.

Co-developed with O’Reilly Hospitality Management, the 125-room hotel is ERES’s second hotel and third project at Yellowstone Airport Plaza.

BELGRADE - ERES Companies is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton in Belgrade, MT. Co-developed by ERES Companies and O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC (OHM), the four-story, 72,000-square-foot hotel features 125 well-appointed rooms and is professionally managed by OHM.

Located at 408 Belgrade Blvd, directly across from Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN), the hotel offers convenient access to downtown Bozeman, Montana State University, Big Sky Resort, Bridger Bowl, and Yellowstone National Park. Guests will find complimentary hot breakfast, free high-speed Wi-Fi, an indoor pool with a mountain-view patio, a fitness center, flexible meeting space, and a lobby with a dedicated co-working lounge. The Hampton brand has been ranked the #1 hotel franchise for 15 consecutive years.

“Belgrade and the wider Gallatin Valley remain among the fastest-growing communities in the country, and sustained growth like this only works when the infrastructure keeps pace,” said Mike Elliott, CEO of ERES. “The Hampton reflects our long-term commitment to this region, and our belief that thoughtful development is part of how a fast-growing community stays livable.”

“When you invest in the right market and execute with discipline, the impact extends beyond a single asset,” said Tom Bradley, President of ERES. “The Hampton strengthens Yellowstone Airport Plaza while creating lasting value for our investors, our partners, and the Belgrade community.”

“This hotel will provide an exceptional upscale destination for leisure and business travelers in the Bozeman and Belgrade area,” said Tim O’Reilly, CEO of O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC. “We are incredibly proud of our opening team and look forward to serving travelers in this growing economy.”

The Hampton follows the EVEN Hotel by IHG and the 168-unit Yellowstone Landing Apartments at Yellowstone Airport Plaza, both completed in 2024, as ERES continues to build out the mixed-use district at the new Interstate 90 interchange. The hotel is part of Hilton Honors, Hilton’s award-winning guest loyalty program. For reservations, call (406) 818-0105.

About ERES Companies

Founded in 2014, ERES Companies is a fast-growing, vertically integrated real estate firm providing all-inclusive real estate services in key and emerging markets across the globe. With more than 175 professionals, ERES supports clients through brokerage, capital, development, project management, construction, asset services, energy market services, and consulting, partnering with organizations, investors, developers, and Fortune 500 companies to solve complex real estate challenges. Visit www.erescompanies.com.

About O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC

Founded in 2007 by Tim O’Reilly, O’Reilly Hospitality Management, LLC specializes in the design, development, and staffing of hotels, restaurants, and commercial properties for some of the leading national and independent brands. Built on sustainability, community involvement, and an elevated guest experience, the Springfield, Missouri firm brings forward-thinking initiatives to 40 existing sites nationwide. Visit www.ohospitalitymanagement.com.